#also just a note- this does slightly retcon on of akito's early card stories

[pjsk-story-summaries]

Rise as ONE! Event Story Summary

TL;DR: While on his morning runs, Akito often runs into Ichihara and Max, a pair training for a dog disc throwing competition with the dream to one day compete nationally. One day, Akito also runs into Minori, Samo, Honami, and Shibao on a play date. When Max stops running after the disc, they realize Ichihara had hurt himself the day before a competition. The group offers to throw in his place, but with Akito as the only person who can throw the disc well enough, they run into even more problems.

Rui crosses paths with the group and offers his support in helping Akito get over his fear. The group learns Akito's fear stems from a traumatic event in the past, where a dog had continuously chased him across a playground set, causing him to fall off. This makes him especially terrified of dogs running, which is a challenge for a disc-throwing race.

Honami talks to KAITO in secret during a lunch break. KAITO had watched Shibao for her a little while ago while she was busy with rehearsal. Though KAITO was scared at first because Shibao kept barking, he realized it was just because he wanted to play.

From this, Honami suggest observing Max playing from a distance to build a mutual understanding. Through this, Akito learns Max is a kind, patient dog who cares deeply about his partner. Suddenly, Minori accidentally misthrows her disc, causing Samo to race towards a frozen Akito. Max steps in to protect Akito. To properly thank him, Akito manages to pet Max.

On the day of the competition, Akito and Max successfully throw a majority of their discs and earn third place. Though Akito hasn't completely gotten over his fear of dogs, he's made significant progress (at least with Max).

Fan translation (lolzy bug)

Chapter 1: When Akito stops for a drink during his morning run, he crosses paths with a guy, Ishihara, and his dog, Max, training with a disc. A gust of wind blows the disc towards Akito, who throws the disc away out of panic. To his surprise, Max manages to catch it. Ishihara comes to apologize and explains how he's been practicing for an upcoming tournament, since they dream of competing nationally one day. Max looks at Akito like he wants to be pet, but when he barks, Ishihara finally realizes Akito is afraid of dogs. The two part ways so Akito can finish his run.

Chapter 2: Leo/need finishes a practice session in SEKAI. Shiho and Honami decide to practice a rhythm section together that weekend after Honami finishes walking Shibao at the dog park. When KAITO expressed concern over Shibao's health, Honami explained that KAITO had helped watch him once when Honami was unable. KAITO had done it since all the Leo/need Virtual Singers chose committees for themselves, and KAITO chose animal care. Honami will be walking with Minori and Samo that weekend as well.

A few days later, Akito finishes another run at the park, surprised to not find Max and Ishihara. Instead, Minori, Honami, Shibao, and Samo are playing together. Minori recognizes Akito and runs over to him, dogs in tow. Honami immediately picks up on his fear, though he tries to deny it at first. Suddenly, Max starts running over to Akito, leading to everyone apologizing to Akito. When the two try and leave, Akito notices Ishihara has hurt his leg.

Chapter 3: Ishihara tries to deny it since the tournament is the next day, but Max refuses to run when his partner is hurt. Ishihara decides to withdraw from the tournament at Honami's insistence. Minori offers to go in Ishihara's place. She struggles to aim the disc, though, and Samo keeps accidentally interfering, so Minori has to step down. Max keeps trying to give Akito the disc. Though he's initially hesitant, Honami's words and Max's will convince Akito to take up the challenge. Honami and Minori (along with Samo and Shibao) offer their support, too.

Chapter 4: Ishihara teaches Akito how to throw the disc while Minori and Honami play with Max. He gets the hang of it quickly, so they soon add Max in to catch. He caught it mid-air. Though Akito tried his best to not panic when Max ran back, he had to run away. In the meantime, Rui ends up crossing paths with the group, along with a robotic dog prototype. Rui asks if Akito will be ok at the disc dog competition, since he's also already picked up on Akito's fear.

After hearing the full story, Rui decides to help Akito get over his fear of dogs. He suggests playing with Max first to get more comfortable around him. Honami shows Akito how to properly greet and pet a dog. Akito tries letting Max sniff his hand, but instinctively backs up. Rui asks about the source of Akito's fear.

Chapter 5: A flashback from a decade or so ago is shown. Akito and Ena play soccer at a park, when a dog suddenly runs out from the bushes towards Akito. Surprised, Akito starts running, so the dog chases him. He runs up the slide so the dog can't follow him. The dog keeps staring at him, which causes Akito to fall off the playground. He freaks out when the dog runs over.

After the story, Minori suggests taking a break to come up with some new ideas. The group goes to get lunch together. Shibao keeps digging through Honami's bag, where KAITO was hiding to try and see him. Honami sneaks away to talk. KAITO reveals he was also a bit frightened by Shibao the first time they met because he kept barking, but KAITO got over that fear by understanding why Shibao kept barking. Since he couldn't play with the lonely dog when Honami was gone, he decided to play guitar for him. Honami thanks KAITO for the accidental advice and goes back to the group.

Chapter 6: Though Akito's a little hesitant at first, they decide to give Honami's suggestion a try. They start by watching Max play with the others from a distance. Rui shares some of his own observations before instructing his robot to do a triple axel spin. Rui then asks Akito to watch Max's reactions. Akito realizes Max is still worried about Ishihara. A young kid walks over and pets Max, which helps Akito learn he's a patient dog, too. With some newfound understanding, Aktio asks to try something new.

Chapter 7: Rui has Akito watch Shibao and Samo play fetch next. Rui throws the disc with Max with Akito standing next to him after that. He does a lot better with the throw, but still tenses up when Max runs back. Rui suggests the only way to get better now is to slowly get used to dogs running his way. Suddenly, Samo comes running towards Akito after Minori misthrows her disc. Akito can't move from fear, but Max jumps in front to protect him. To properly thank him, Akito tries petting Max again. He successfully manages to let Max sniff his hand, and, believing in Max, pets him with shaking hands.

Chapter 8: The day of the competition arrives. Everyone came to cheer on Max and Akito. Max and Akito were able to successfully throw, catch, and receive the disc on their first three throws. The fourth was dropped due to a strong wind, but everyone's support, the long-throw fifth was caught to advance to the finals. Akito recognizes Max wants pets and manages to give him a scratch.

Akito and Max ended up getting third place in the competition. Ishihara thanks Akito and the others for all their help. Akito is glad he was able to partially get over his fear of dogs, at least with Max. He's still scared of other dogs, but less than before.

Card Stories: Akito / Honami / KAITO / Minori / Rui